10 great minimal CV templates

Selecting a clear, concise and aesthetically pleasing CV template is essential for anyone’s job hunting efforts if you are to stand out when recruiters sift through a pile of applications. Even if the hiring company ask your to submit your details through an applicant tracking system (ATS) or specialist recruitment software, it’s still a good idea to have a beautiful CV ready to share by email or at your face-to-face interview.

But there’s more to creating a designer CV than just booting up Word; you need to think carefully about what the design, layout and font say about you as a professional, does a minimalist resume template suit your persona, does the resume aesthetics fit with your style?

If you don’t have great graphic design skills, don’t worry – there are plenty of cheap, functional and eye-catching resume CV design idea templates cv out there for you to download and personalise. So if you’re looking for that designer CV, look no further: here are 10 of Ciphr‘s favourite minimalist resumes.

Resume and cover letter template

They say: “Get refined and get noticed with this three-page template design, including handcrafted two-page resume and cover letter – because your life shouldn’t have to fit onto one page.”

Our verdict: Subtle duck-egg blue colouring makes this CV shine.

Download it here.

2-in-1 simple initial Word resume

They say: “This is an instant download resume template pack for MS Word. This product features a simple design for 1 page resume and cover letter. This product is very easy to edit at home.”

Our verdict: Easy-to-edit, this CV is ideal for those with minimal tech skills.

Download it here.

The Heather resume template

They say: “You’ve got the skills. Now you just need a beautiful presentation to show them off. The Heather is a modern resume and cover letter design that’s perfect for anyone who wants to stand out while remaining professional and refined.”

Our verdict: With three colour-ways included in the standard pack, you’re free to choose the one that best suits your personality.

Download it here.

Resume/CV set – the hipster

They say: “This is a specially designed handcraft resume CV with cover letter template in hipster style. You will be able to create your own fully customisable resume set where you can display your education, skills, references and experience also a real and very effective cover letter.”

Our verdict: Don’t let the hipster moniker put you off – this is a modern take on the traditional monotone CV.

Download it here.

Resume/CV template 4 pack

They say: “Get refined and get noticed with this four-page template design, including handcrafted two-page resume, cover letter and references. From the first hello in your covering letter to your glowing references, let potential employers know that you’re the full package.”

Our verdict: Try this template if you want a more youthful, but still professional, CV.

Download it here.

Three-page resume and free cover letter

They say: “Change colors, edit texts, choose your favourite typefaces and make this resume template “Oh so you!” with a few simple clicks!”

Our verdict: Etsy is an unusual place to find a CV template, but this design is clean, creative and modern.

Download it here.

Creative resume template

They say: “If you are aesthetically aware individual who wants to build professional & tasteful presence – our resume templates will help you do it with character and style.”

Our verdict: Show your creative flair and put yourself front and centre with this unusual CV.

Download it here.

Three-page resume template for Word

They say: “Matching cover letter template included – with cohesive branding package you’ll successfully build a strong presence.”

Our verdict: Show your skill levels with this graphic layout.

Download it here.

The Sawyer template

They say: “Introducing ‘Sawyer’, a simple design focusing on experience, which includes a single page resume/CV and cover letter.”

Our verdict: The Sawyer’s classy styling will make any candidate stand out.

Download it here.

All-in-one timeless resume CV pack

They say: “A 21-page timeless resume CV set designed to express you. There are a lot of different ways to customise your resume.”

Our verdict: With so many different options, this template really does offer something for everyone.

Download it here.

This article was first published in March 2015. It was updated in March 2018 and November 2018 for freshness, accuracy and clarity.